Raise climber carrier

ABSTRACT

A raise climber carrier for supporting and transporting a raise climber includes a conveyance support assembly. The conveyance support assembly includes a base frame and an elevating frame secured to the base frame via a mechanical linkage assembly for controlled elevation of the raise climber. A raise climber support assembly is mounted and supported upon the elevating frame for deployment of the raise climber. The conveyance support assembly also includes an intake and outlet for air and an intake and outlet for water, as well as a hose assembly including a hose reel used to carry, dispense and retract a pressured air hose.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a raise climber carrier.

2. Description of the Related Art

As those skilled in the art appreciate, a raise climber employs a working platform to access space within a mine that is located above the floor level of the mine. The raise climber employs a rail system fastened to the wall of a vertical incline for the purpose of elevating the working platform, and ultimately the workers supported within the working platform. The working platform further has the ability to extend, or retract, backward into the horizontal access tunnel during a blast.

It is sometimes required in an underground mine to provide access to an upper level of the mine from a relatively lower level of the mine. In such situations a raise (or vertically inclined) excavation is created from the lower level to the upper level. Such raises may be used for various purposes, including, but not limited to, air ventilation, secondary personnel access/egress or as material dump chutes.

After the excavation of the raise is begun, it becomes necessary and desirable to utilize raise climbing equipment commonly referred to as a raise climber for accessing the raise. The raise climber travels along a rail secured along the wall of the raise. The raise climber is used for accessing the drilling face as well as a drill and charge explosives. A typical process for excavating a raise includes driving the raise climber to the face of the raise, drilling a round of holes, loading the holes with explosives, returning to the parking area where both the raise climber and the workers are protected from explosions coming from the raise, detonating the explosives, clearing the muck, adding a rail as necessary, and repeating until the raise reaches the upper level. As the raise is excavated, muck piles accumulate at the bottom of the raise and are then removed.

Additional horizontal excavation along the raise creates access tunnels which enable the raise climber to retreat therein so as to avoid contact with the falling muck (rock) which occurs after a blast or when scaling. Similarly, access tunnels are created for blasted rock removal. However, depending on size, layout and length it can take days or weeks to excavate such access tunnels. This results in an increased amount of man hours worked, leading to more exposure to risk and potential injury.

Further deficiencies in raise climber usage include the fact that it takes an average crew between six to ten work shifts to assemble and install a raise climber. When using an elevated set-up for the raise climber it takes weeks to install infrastructure. This increase in man hours means more exposure to risk and potential injury, as well as additional costs.

With the raise climber installed, the raise climber monopolizes 100% of the work shift, when in actuality, only 55% to 75% of the working shift is required to accomplish the cycle of use necessary to complete the anticipated work. This results in expensive down time for the whole industry (contractor or client), having workers, active only 55% to 75% of work shift and paid for 100% of the work shift.

Further, extensive development is needed for the creation of a personnel/material passageway and removal of blasted rock. The access tunnel for removal of blasted rock has no practical purpose once excavation of the raise is completed. Such openings in the underground mine are of no benefit and may further cause weakness to the rock structure. Such an opening will, therefore, need to be inspected periodically and potentially rehabilitated at a high cost.

An alternative to access tunnels is elevated set-ups as shown in FIG. 3. However, elevated set-ups create a risk of fall during installation and transfer. Accessing a raise is done from a ladder and material has to be hoisted on a slide. Downtime is caused by idling a raiser climber during time required for removal of broken rock. This leads to a delay caused by the necessity to remove blasted rock at the beginning of a work shift from several work sites.

Typically, raise climbers were initially designed for six feet advance per work shift. The current culture to drill and blast longer rounds means the blasted advance, typically 8 feet, is quicker than that of guide raise rail. Therefore, this means that every three to four blasts the crew will have to install two consecutive raise rails. The situation this creates is that after a fresh blast the raise climber's canopy will not reach the face of the raise. The overhead canopy is meant to protect the men from potential rock falls, especially after a blast where the face has not been scaled and ground support has not yet been installed. This translates in more distance between the workers and the work face. More distance for potentially falling rocks means they will gather more speed as they are falling, resulting in a greater impact when coming in contact with equipment or personnel, causing damage, injury or death.

When in need of two raise rails, a way to avoid this danger is to install a three foot raise rail before the blast. This requires additional steps to be taken by the workers and often another trip up the raise to carry the required equipment; this adds unnecessary wear to the raise climber. When purchasing the equipment, the addition of three foot guide rails, according to advance to price ratio, creates added expense. Three foot guide rails are also more expensive in terms of operational costs where the same steps are required to install a three foot guide rail versus a six foot rail. The extended drilling time for an 8 foot raise versus a 6 foot raise, sometimes means drilling beyond the capacity of oil lubricators. The result is a premature breakdown for drills and increased cost of maintenance.

An exemplary carrier for a raise climber is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,021,098 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0308890, both to Grenon. However, the device of Grenon is highly complex and difficult to maintain and use. In developed countries, authorities that are responsible for safety in the workplace will not allow anyone to work under a freshly blasted rock face (i.e., underneath a raise) without specifically designed overhead protection. Grenon's equipment requires workers to expose themselves every time they need to couple the climber to the existing rail. Despite the raise climber platform offering some protection, there is a risk of falling rocks around the platform, causing serious injury to workers or damage to equipment while coupling the carrier to a raise. As described in Grenon's description, “The parking area (p) removes the raise climber (10) from the direct path of falling debris . . . ” Grenon's own words indicate that at anytime there might be falling debris, therefore it is only logical to conclude that any work performed directly below the excavation may be extremely hazardous. A working platform does not constitute a safety bulkhead.

With Grenon's equipment, a worker would have to climb on the raise climber unit to bolt the rails together, connect the hoses, lift the overhead protection canopy in place, or rectify any malfunction or perform any kind of maintenance to any of the complex mechanisms. This would not only expose the worker to potential falling debris, it would create a task performed at heights, thus creating a risk of falling. Any mechanism needed to couple Grenon's unit to the existing rail regularly requires maintenance and, given the harsh conditions (i.e.; falling debris) in an underground mine, will inevitably break down.

In addition, to maintain optimum performance and savings by not excavating any more rock than is necessary, raise climber parking areas are constructed with minimal extra space such that the raise climber parking area is relatively snug with the size of the platform used, with just enough room for workers to walk around the climber for inspection. However, if a mine operator has got a larger size raise to excavate, a bigger piece of equipment (converted loader, forklift or scoop-tram) will be required to transport the raise climber resulting in the need for a larger raise climber parking area. This additional excavation is undesirable and costly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a raise climber carrier for supporting and transporting a raise climber within a mine. The raise climber carrier includes a conveyance support assembly. The conveyance support assembly includes a base frame and an elevating frame secured to the base frame via a mechanical linkage assembly for controlled elevation of the raise climber. A raise climber support assembly is mounted and supported upon the elevating frame for deployment of the raise climber. The conveyance support assembly also includes an intake and outlet for air and an intake and outlet for water, as well as a hose assembly including a hose reel used to carry, dispense and retract a pressured air hose.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a raise climber carrier wherein the conveyance support assembly includes a plurality of wheels extending downwardly from the base frame for engagement with rails formed along a floor of a mining tunnel.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a raise climber carrier wherein the conveyance support assembly includes a plurality of wheels extending downwardly from the base frame for engagement with ground along a floor of a mining tunnel.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a raise climber carrier wherein the conveyance support assembly includes a plurality of hydraulic jacks used for lifting and leveling.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a raise climber carrier wherein the conveyance support assembly includes a hydraulic oil tank coupled to a hydraulic pump for use in lifting the hydraulic jacks.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a raise climber carrier wherein the raise climber support assembly includes a rearward support saddle shaped and dimensioned to support the raise climber.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a raise climber carrier wherein the raise climber support assembly further includes a forward locking saddle joint shaped and dimensioned to support the raise climber.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a raise climber carrier wherein the conveyance support assembly includes a hydraulic oil tank coupled to a hydraulic pump.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a raise climber carrier wherein the hose assembly includes a drive assembly that controls rotation of the hose reel and therefore extension and retraction of the hose.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a raise climber carrier wherein the drive assembly includes a pneumatic hose wheel winder motor coupled to the hose reel by a drive chain.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a raise climber carrier wherein the pneumatic hose wheel winder motor includes a control valve controlling operation thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a raise climber carrier wherein the control valve is in an “OFF” position and no air is supplied to the pneumatic hose wheel winder motor when the raise climber is moving away from the conveyance support assembly and the control valve is in an “ON” position allowing compressed air to be fed to the pneumatic hose wheel winder motor causing rotation of the pneumatic hose wheel winder motor, which rotates the hose reel and winds the hose thereabout.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a raise climber carrier wherein the intake and outlet for air are connected to a main air manifold which is connected to an air motor.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a raise climber carrier wherein the intake and outlet for water are connected to a main water manifold which connects to a water pump.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a raise climber carrier including an automatic header controlling flow of air and what with the raise climber carrier.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which set forth certain embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 and 2 are schematics of a mining tunnel with raises at various locations.

FIG. 3 is a schematic of a prior art raise climber assembly employing an elevated set-up.

FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of a raise climber carrier in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention showing various components of the present raise climber carrier.

FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of a raise climber carrier in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention showing various components of the present raise climber carrier.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are detailed schematics showing the hydraulic and pneumatic systems of the raise climber carrier with views of the forward and rearward portions of the raise climber carrier respectively.

FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 are detailed views showing the hose reel and associated assemblies in accordance with the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. It should be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, the details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to make and/or use the invention.

With reference to FIGS. 4 to 10, a raise climber carrier 10 is disclosed. With the exception of distinguishing structural features discussed below, the raise climber 12 used in conjunction with the present raise climber carrier 10 is a traditional raise climber and may take various forms depending upon specific needs of the mine operator. As those skilled in the art appreciate, a raise climber 12 employs a working platform 54 to access space within a mine that is located above the floor of a horizontal tunnel, that is, within a raise. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the raise climber 12 employs a rail system 16 fastened to the wall 18 of a vertical mine tunnel for the purpose of elevating the working platform 54 of the raise climber 12, and ultimately the workers supported upon the working platform 54. The working platform 54 further has the ability to extend, or retract, backward into a horizontal access tunnel during a blast.

As will be appreciated based upon the following disclosure, the present raise climber carrier 10 adds to the efficiency of excavation where raise climbers are utilized. As such, the raise climber carrier 10 of present invention provides substantial savings to vertical raise mining using a raise climber system, due to portability of the raise climber system, minimizes development and excavations needed for conventional installation of raise climber units, minimizes downtime and idling, and increases safety. In addition, the present raise climber carrier 10 is built specifically for the transport of a raise climber 12 and, therefore, is highly user friendly.

Through the utilization of hydraulic and pneumatic based power systems as discussed below, the present raise climber carrier 10 eliminates the need for diesel power, thereby reducing the chance of underground fire and improving underground air quality. The present raise climber carrier 10 also employs a one size fits all design for existing mine conditions. As will be appreciated based upon the following disclosure, the fact the present raise climber carrier 10 is self-contained with a hose reel 22 and automatic header 24 controlling the flow of air and water within the present apparatus means that there will not be any obstructions in the path of an oncoming emergency raise climber due to water, air and other cables laying upon the ground of the access tunnels.

In addition, the present raise climber carrier 10 employs simplified engineering principles, reducing costs and minimizing the time required to perform tasks. As is appreciated, the more complex the system, the more chances of it breaking down.

The present raise climber carrier 10 is designed for use in conjunction with either a conveyance support assembly 26 utilized for transport over rails 28 (see FIG. 4) or a conveyance support assembly 26 utilized for transport over ground 30 (see FIG. 5). With reference to the embodiment using a conveyance support assembly 26 for transport over rails 28, the raise climber carrier 10 includes a conveyance support assembly 26 having a base frame 32 and an elevating frame 33 upon which a raise climber support assembly 34 is mounted and supported for movement and deployment of the raise climber 12 as will be described below in greater detail. As will be explained below in greater detail, the elevating frame 33 is secured to the base frame 32 via a mechanical linkage assembly 37. The mechanical linkage assembly 37 allows for controlled elevation of the elevating frame 33 relative to the base frame 32 in a manner allowing for controlled elevation of the raise climber 12.

The base frame 32 is preferably composed of one-half inch thick metal plates 35 providing for substantial rigidity and durability. Extending downwardly from the base frame 32 are a plurality (for example, four) of wheels 36 for engagement with the rails 28 formed along the floor of the mining tunnel. Also extending downwardly from the base frame 32, preferably at the four corners thereof, are a plurality of hydraulic jacks 38 used to lift and level the base frame 32 as the raise climber 12 is deployed from the raise climber carrier 10 and mounted upon the raise rails 16 in the manner discussed below in greater detail. The base frame 32 also includes a rearward latch 40 for selective attachment to a locomotive engine 42 used in pulling the raise climber carrier 10 to a desired position within the mining tunnel.

Referring now to the embodiment using a conveyance support assembly 26 for transport over ground as shown in FIG. 5, the conveyance support assembly 26 includes a base frame 32 and an elevating frame 33 upon which a raise climber support assembly 34 is mounted and supported for movement and deployment of the raise climber 12 as will be described below in greater detail. As will be explained below in greater detail, the elevating frame 33 is secured to the base frame 32 for controlled elevation of the raise climber 12 through the utilization of a mechanical linkage assembly 37.

Extending downwardly from the base frame 32 are a plurality (for example, four) of wheels 36 for engagement with the ground along the floor of the mining tunnel. Also extending downwardly from the base frame 32 are a plurality of hydraulic jacks 38 used to lift and level the base frame 32 as the raise climber 12 is deployed from the raise climber carrier 10 and mounted upon the raise rails 16.

The wheels 36 are driven by a motor and drive assembly (not shown) commonly used in industrial automotive equipment. As such, the conveyance support assembly 26 includes a driver compartment 27 in which a driver steers and otherwise controls movement of the conveyance support assembly 26. It is appreciated, the driver compartment and motor/drive assembly may be integrally formed with the base frame 32 as shown with reference to FIG. 5 or the driver compartment and motor/drive assembly may be shaped and dimensioned for selective attachment with the base frame. As with the conveyance support assembly for use with rails, the conveyance support assembly is provided with a working park brake and service brake.

Regardless of the construction of the conveyance support assembly 26, the conveyance support assembly 26 is provided with sensors and safety locking devices so that when the raise climber carrier 10 is not level the hydraulic system 44 will not be operational. The conveyance support assembly 26 may also be provided with a lighting system for use in the illumination of the work environment and the ultimate improvement in the safety associate with the use of the present raise climber carrier 10. In addition, the conveyance support assembly 26 is preferably provided with wheel locking devices to secure the carrier on potentially inclines or uneven ground. Such locking devices are conventional and commonly available structures are used in accordance with the present invention.

Secured to the elevated frame 33 along the top side of the conveyance support assembly 26, prior to deployment, is a centrally located raise climber 12 adapted for deployment and retrieval as discussed below in greater detail. The raise climber 12 is supported upon the elevated frame 33 by a raise climber support assembly 34. A rearward located hose assembly 46 is also secured to the base frame 32 along the top side of the conveyance support assembly 26.

The raise climber 12 is centrally mounted to the elevated frame 33 along the conveyance support assembly 26. As is appreciated, the raise climber 12 includes a working platform 54 adapted for controlled movement upward and downward within a raise tunnel. The raise climber support assembly 34 of the conveyance support assembly 26 includes a rearward support saddle 48 which supports the raise climber 12 above the elevated frame 33 of the conveyance support assembly 26. The raise climber support assembly 34 also includes a forward locking saddle joint 49 which selectively secures the raise climber 12 to the elevated frame 33 by the insertion or removal of a locking pin (not shown).

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the conveyance support assembly 26 also includes a guide rail 50 upon which is mounted the raise climber 12 prior to deployment. The guide rail 50 is shaped and dimensioned for mating with the lower end 52 of the raise rail 16 formed along the wall 18 of the raise within the mining tunnel. In practice, the guide rail 50 is aligned with the raise rail 16 such that the raise climber 12 is selectively deployed onto the raise rail 16 from the existing horizontal mine tunnel. Adjustment in the height of the guide rail 50, and ultimately the raise climber 12 as it is supported by the conveyance support assembly 26 is preferably achieved through provision of a mechanical linkage assembly in the form of a scissor lift structure extending between the base frame 32 and the elevated frame 33. In particular, the elevated frame 33 of the conveyance support assembly 26 is secured to the base frame 32 of the conveyance support assembly 26 via the scissor lift structure 37. As is appreciated, a scissor lift structure is a mechanical linkage assembly commonly used to elevate one support frame from another support frame. A scissor lift includes linked, folding supports in a criss-cross “X” pattern. The upward motion is achieved by the application of pressure to the outside of the lowest set of supports, elongating the crossing pattern, and propelling the work platform vertically. In accordance with the present invention, the contraction of the scissor linkage assembly may be achieved through hydraulic, pneumatic or mechanical mechanisms known to those skilled in the art.

The scissor lift structure 37 allows the raise climber 12 and the guide rail 50 to be raised to a desired height. Once the raise climber 12 is positioned at a desired height, the hydraulic jacks 38 are used to level the raise climber 12 for complete and proper alignment with the raise rails 16.

The raise climber 12 includes a drive unit 14 coupled to the working platform 54. It is appreciated the drive unit 14 is similar to those of currently existing raise climber trolleys and may be varied in size according to the needs of specific applications and modifications without departing from the spirit of the present invention. As such, the drive unit 14 is designed to be compatible with existing raise rail systems. As disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,021,098, which is incorporated herein by reference, the drive unit 14 houses the drive sprockets, which interact with the rail and drive track (not shown) on the existing rail as is well known in the art.

The work platform 54 is pivotally connected to the drive unit 14 via both a direct pivotal connection 91 and a linkage connection in the form of a main support arm 58. In particular, the main support arm 58 is connected between the working platform 54 and the drive unit 14. The first end 60 of the main support arm 58 is pivotally secured to the working platform 54 of the raise climber 12. This joint is securely held by the forward saddle locking joint 49. The second end 62 of the main support arm 58 is pivotally secured to the drive unit 14 of the raise climber 12.

The effective length of the main support arm 58 is adjusted to allow for adjusting the relative angular orientation between the drive unit 14 and the adjustable working platform 54. This is achieved by providing a main support arm 58 that includes telescoping first and second rods (not shown) that may be selectively locked at desired relative positions to adjust the effective length of the main support arm 58. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the first and second rods 58 a, 58 b are provided with spaced holes (not shown) that may be aligned for the passage of a locking pin (not shown) therethrough. Given the angle or dip of the tunnel to be excavated, the working platform 54 is set to a desired orientation. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the outer second rod 58 b slides over the inner first rod 58 a. Both the inner first rod 58 a and the outer second rod 58 b have a series of matching holes in which you insert a lock pin when the desired angle is set on the platform 54. Adjustment of the main support arm 58 allows workers to change the dip angle of the adjustable working platform 54 to accommodate differently angled raises. A personal cage 51 extends downwardly from the bottom of the working platform 54. The drive unit 14 also includes a receiver box 64 for receiving a support beam 66 extending from the personal cage 51 of the raise climber 12. The support beam 66 may be selectively locked relative to the receiver box 64 so as to ensure the personal cage 51 is maintained in a desired orientation relative to the rest of the components of the raise climber 12 and the raise climber carrier 10.

The guide rail 50 includes an upper portion shaped and dimensioned for mating with the raise rail 16. In practice, and prior to deployment, the first end 60 of the support arm 58 (that is, the support arm tip) joins the support arm 58 to the platform 54. A large bolt (not shown) holds the support arm tip 60 and the platform 54 together. This joint rests on the forward locking saddle joint 49 of the elevated frame 33 and support to the back of raise climber 12 is achieved by sitting the personal cage 51 on the rearward support saddle 48 of the elevated frame 33 of the conveyance support assembly 26.

The control of the raise climber 12 and the associated raise climber carrier 10 is achieved through the provision of various hydraulic, pneumatic and motor systems all maintained, integrated with, and operated from the conveyance support assembly 26. In this way, the present raise climber carrier 10 is a self-contained unit allowing for operation of a raise climber 12 without the need for running external lines along the access tunnel for the supply of water, air, and various other power sources.

In particular, and with reference to the rearward portion of the raise climber carrier 10 as shown in FIG. 6, the raise climber carrier 10 is provided with an intake and outlet for air 72, 74 and an intake and outlet for water 76, 78, all of which are in fluid communication with an automatic header for controlled flow within the present apparatus. The air intake 72 is connected to a main air manifold 80 which is connected to an air motor 82. Similarly, the water intake 76 is connected to a main water manifold 84 which connects to a water pump 86. The water outlet 78 and air outlet 74 are respectively connected to the main water manifold 84 and the main air manifold 80. The flow of air and water within the present raise climber carrier 10 is controlled by the automatic header 24 in a manner known to those skilled in the art. The automatic header 24 is remotely operated for supplying air and water up the raise. The raise climber carrier 10 is also provided with a hydraulic oil tank 88 coupled to a hydraulic pump 90 for use in extending the hydraulic jacks 38 for lifting the raise climber 12 to position for engagement with the raise rails 16.

Turning now to the rearward portion of the raise climber carrier 10 as shown in FIGS. 7-10, the raise climber carrier includes a hose assembly 46 which is used in the supply of water to the raise climber 12 and up the raise. The hose assembly 46 is positioned adjacent the rearward end of the conveyance support assembly 26, and therefore along the rearward end of the raise climber carrier 10. The hose assembly 46 includes a hose reel 22 used to carry, dispense and retract the pressured air hose 96. The hose reel 22 is built to fit the raise climb carrier. The hose reel 22 is permanently fitted to the back of the conveyance support assembly 26.

The hose assembly 46 includes a length of hose 96 mounted upon the hose reel 22. The hose reel 22 includes a longitudinal axis about which it rotates that is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the conveyance support assembly 26. The hose reel 22 supports the length of the hose 96 so that it may be extended and retracted with the working platform 54 of the raise climber 12. With this in mind, the free end of the hose 96 is engaged with the support framework of the working platform 54 such that the free end of the hose 96 is automatically drawn upwardly with the raise climber as the working platform 54 is elevated within the raise.

The hose assembly 46 further includes a drive assembly 98 that controls rotation of the hose reel 22 and therefore extension and retraction of the hose 96. The drive assembly 98 includes a pneumatic hose wheel winder motor 100 coupled to the hose reel 22 by a drive chain 102. The pneumatic hose wheel winder motor 100 is connected to the air system 104 of the raise climber carrier 10 and is connected to the air motor 82 via tubing 106. As such, both the pneumatic hose wheel winder motor 100 and the hose reel 22 are provided with gear rings 108, 110 with teeth shaped and dimensioned for engagement with the drive chain 102 in manner allowing force from the pneumatic hose wheel winder motor 100 to rotate and thereby control the extension and retraction of the hose 96 mounted thereupon. The hose assembly 46 includes a guard 112 positioned over the drive chain 102 enhancing protection of the drive chain 102 and the safety of those using the present raise climber carrier 10. The pneumatic hose wheel winder motor 100 is also provided with a control valve 114 controlling operation thereof. The control valve 114 is controlled by gravity. When the climber is going up, the hose is pulled upwardly by the raise climber. Therefore, the valve 114 is in the “OFF” position and no air is supplied to the motor allowing the hose to be wound out of the reel 22. When the climber is going down, the weight of the hose pushes down upon the lever 114 a to open valve 114 and compressed air is fed to the motor causing rotation of the motor, which rotates the hose reel and winds the hose thereabout.

Also provided at the rear end of the raise climber carrier is a control panel 116 for the hydraulic elements of the conveyance support assembly 26, in particular, the hydraulic jacks 38. This control panel 116 allows for control of the various hydraulic jacks 38 mentioned above. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control panel 116 includes a four way hydraulic flow control unit to distinctly control the various hydraulic jacks so that the raise climber is raised evenly. The control panel 116 is a standard hydraulic control panel allowing for controlled actuation of the hydraulic jacks 38. It is appreciated that the jacks may be replaced with hydraulically driven rubber tires.

It is also appreciated that load tested conventional coarse threaded anchor rods or re-bars may be used as anchors to secure the raise climber 12 to the roof of a tunnel, wherein the threaded anchor rods are ready for conventional use. Nuts are used to secure the raise climber 12 to the threaded anchor rods as the rods are passed through attachment apertures (not shown) in the raise climber 12. In particular, and in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the nuts are used to hang the raise climber 12 to the roof of the tunnel and are locked with a double nut placed behind the first one, a locking pin or a Teflon lock nut to ensure none of the latter will rattle off as a result of traveling on rail with the climber.

In contrast to the deficiencies described above with regard to prior systems, the present raise climber carrier 10 offers a variety of advantages. These advantages stem from the mobility and self-contained nature of the present raise climber carrier 10.

For example, assembly of the raise climber 12 will only be done once, saving weeks to the total development of vertical and access infrastructure. The raise climber carrier 10 and raise climber 12 are assembled when the raise climber carrier 10 and raise climber 12 arrive on the level. Since the raise climber 12 and raise climber carrier 10 are assembled on once when they arrive at a desired level of the mine, the assembly may be completed in the mine workshop on a safer floor, as opposed to a location adjacent the raise tunnel as is common with current usage of raise climbers 12.

As a result, the raise climber 12 only needs to be assembled once so long as its usage is limited to an area accessible to the conveyance support assembly. This may even be a surface workshop where it is possible to drive the conveyance support assembly through an access ramp tunnel. Keeping the raise climber 12 permanently assembled throughout the development of the level allows for better follow up of components to the one climber.

In addition, because the hose reel 22 is mounted upon the conveyance support assembly 26 and is laid upon the ground of the access tunnel, the need for a separate access tunnel for the removal of blasted rock is eliminated. Eliminating the need for an additional access tunnel for the removal of blasted rock will save months of horizontal development in the mid to long term scheme of things.

The increased mobility offered by the present raise climber carrier 10 allows the raise climber 12 to be used in multiple tunnels on a daily basis. Increased mobility allows planning of shorter and safer blasted rounds. The longer the holes are drilled in the round the more explosives you need. Hence, the shock wave delivered to the rock structure needs to be greater to break the longer rounds. Such practices result in increasing the loosening of the rock structure. Because the present raise climber carrier 10 permits more efficient mining such longer, high powered rounds are not necessary and operators may make use of shorter and safer blasted rounds.

In particular, the mobility and efficiency offered by the use of the present raise climber carrier 10 permits operators to avoid the instability generated by the use of longer rounds. As such, operators need only use 6 ft. blasts that are known to safely excavate rock without creating undesirable loosening of the rock structure. In turn, boring a 6 ft. round is more efficient than longer rounds due to decreased perforation speed rate of more unstable long drill steel. This is due to loss of performance from the percussion air drills, caused by vibration and friction from the rock etc. A shorter drill time, will ultimately mean that lubricators will be less likely to run out of oil due to extended drilling times of longer rounds.

Smaller rounds also results in a reduction in necessary inventory. Less inventory will have to be kept eliminating the 8 ft steel, reamer steel, necessary bits and maintenance thereof. Once the first round had been successfully completed, the carrier and raise climber can be returned to gear bay for re-stocking. Centralizing the materiel required for ground supporting will improve ability for keeping inventories, housekeeping and less waste due to materiel being spread out in different tunnels. It will also ensure less time for transporting of materiel to workplaces translating into savings in wages paid, in order to complete this task.

The mobility of the raise climber carrier 10 allows for maintenance to be done in a more comfortable and safe environment as an underground or surface workshop. Eliminating the loss time due to loss of performance in the drills will translate in the crews being able to finish the cycle much earlier. The latter means a second cycle can be executed therefore ensuring 100% working time for a given work shift. In a mine where shorter shifts are routine, the second cycle may not be completed, however if only a reasonable 50% is achieved, after a full 6 ft. round plus 50% of another equals 9 ft. of advance per shift therefore an approximate performance increase in 25-30% will occur. Using the proposed method and raise climber carrier 10 will allow more time to prepare face and vertical tunnel for surveyors and technical to inspect the raise without losing a full round as per conventional method. Shorter rounds are usually easier to keep online as less ground is covered each blast allowing less distance covered between surveys. Having the raise climber carrier 10 move to a different tunnel will allow surveyors and technical department to execute their task without pressure on the mining crew or themselves resulting in less potential mistakes.

Still further, the present raise climber carrier 10 is fully self-contained including a hose reel 22 and an automatic header 24. The hose reel 22, the automatic header 24 and the water pump (if needed) are all protected in the half inch plated steel shell of the present raise climber carrier 10.

The present raise climber carrier 10, in contrast to systems such as those discussed above with regard to Grenon, requires no safety block or safety stop on the raise rail as the conventional manufacturer supplied “bumper block” is permanently attached to the lowest part of the rail. Once the raise climber 12 is attached to the permanent rail system and ready to go, it complies with manufacturer's specifications, recommendations and designs. As opposed to systems such as that disclosed by Grenon the present raise climber carrier 10 allows a safe distance or safe zone from any potential fall of rock from the raise. This will eliminate any risk of injury to personnel or damage to equipment.

While the preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood that there is no intent to limit the invention by such disclosure, but rather, is intended to cover all modifications and alternate constructions falling within the spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. A raise climber carrier for supporting and transporting a raise climber within a mine, comprising: a conveyance support assembly including, a base frame; an elevating frame secured to the base frame via a mechanical linkage assembly for controlled elevation of the raise climber; a raise climber support assembly mounted and supported upon the elevating frame for deployment of the raise climber; an intake and outlet for air and an intake and outlet for water; a hose assembly including a hose reel used to carry, dispense and retract a pressured air hose.
 2. The raise climber carrier according to claim 1, wherein the conveyance support assembly includes a plurality of wheels extending downwardly from the base frame for engagement with rails formed along a floor of a mining tunnel.
 3. The raise climber carrier according to claim 1, wherein the conveyance support assembly includes a plurality of wheels extending downwardly from the base frame for engagement with ground along a floor of a mining tunnel.
 4. The raise climber carrier according to claim 1, wherein the conveyance support assembly includes a plurality of hydraulic jacks used for lifting and leveling.
 5. The raise climber carrier according to claim 4, wherein the conveyance support assembly includes a hydraulic oil tank coupled to a hydraulic pump for use in lifting the hydraulic jacks.
 6. The raise climber carrier according to claim 1, wherein the raise climber support assembly includes a rearward support saddle shaped and dimensioned to support the raise climber.
 7. The raise climber carrier according to claim 6, wherein the raise climber support assembly further includes a forward locking saddle joint shaped and dimensioned to support the raise climber.
 8. The raise climber carrier according to claim 1, wherein the conveyance support assembly includes a hydraulic oil tank coupled to a hydraulic pump.
 9. The raise climber carrier according to claim 1, wherein the hose assembly includes a drive assembly that controls rotation of the hose reel and therefore extension and retraction of the hose.
 10. The raise climber carrier according to claim 9, wherein the drive assembly includes a pneumatic hose wheel winder motor coupled to the hose reel by a drive chain.
 11. The raise climber carrier according to claim 10, wherein the pneumatic hose wheel winder motor includes a control valve controlling operation thereof.
 12. The raise climber carrier according to claim 11, wherein the control valve is in an “OFF” position and no air is supplied to the pneumatic hose wheel winder motor when the raise climber is moving away from the conveyance support assembly and the control valve is in an “ON” position allowing compressed air to be fed to the pneumatic hose wheel winder motor causing rotation of the pneumatic hose wheel winder motor, which rotates the hose reel and winds the hose thereabout.
 13. The raise climber carrier according to claim 1, wherein the intake and outlet for air are connected to a main air manifold which is connected to an air motor.
 14. The raise climber carrier according to claim 1, wherein the intake and outlet for water are connected to a main water manifold which connects to a water pump.
 15. The raise climber carrier according to claim 1, further including an automatic header controlling flow of air and what with the raise climber carrier. 